In an interview for Complex ahead of the ESPYS, he was asked to Stephen Curry who would win a hypothetical duel between the 2017 Warriors and the 2001 Lakers.
“These conversations are meaningless,” Curry began. “But at the end of the day, if you could pit us, in an alternate universe, against the 2001 Lakers, obviously we would feel like we could win. I don’t know who could defend on Shaq, but I also don’t know who could defend on us, me and Klay (Thompson). We are betting on that. And a 3-pt is better than a 2-pt,” added Curry.
It didn’t take long for a former Laker to react and it was none other than Shaquille O’Neal who did on the new episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,”
“My team was 15-1 (in the playoffs), it’s the best team ever, because we should have gone 16-0,” Shaq said. “I said we would win because: who would defend on me and Kobe? He said of course we think we would win, I don’t know who could defend on Shaq, but who could defend on me and Klay. Because a 3-pt shot is better than a 2-pt shot. Here is my answer: once they are hot, it will be: ‘D-Fish, send them towards the circle, I will destroy them. Once banged up, are they going to keep shooting 3-pointers after that? Every time we’re on them behind the 3-point line, they’re going to have to drive. When you drive, you’ll be afraid I’ll lay you down. I’m going to lay them all out. Steph, Clay and KD. I’m going to kick their ass.
When Spice Adams tells him that when they get in they’ll take the ball out on the shooters, Shaq responds.
“No, we won’t leave the shooters open,” Shaq said. “We’re not going to do a double-take. They’re going to point them at me, they’re going to bring them to me and you know who’s going to score a lot of points? The pivot. What’s his name ? Andrew Bogut probably. Andrew Bogut will probably score 15-20 points. We’re not going to let Steph catch fire at 3-pts. When he drives, you direct him towards me, the blocker. »
Nichel Turner pointed out to him that it was rather Draymond Green the pivot since Bogut was transferred to accommodate Kevin Durant.
“So Draymond is going to have to score 30 points. » Shaq
Then when Spice Adams told him that he and Kobe would have a downturn and a more focused defense on them and that Derek Fisher couldn’t score much.
“They’re going to have to double-cross me. And if they don’t, I’m going to plant 60 points without the free throws. » Shaq
That’s when JaVale McGee will come off the bench according to Spice Adams.
“I will kick his ass and go up to 70 points if JaVale McGee defends on me…
That’s my answer, and Steph you’re still my favorite player. » Shaq
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